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Cycle Ranch heats up summer with night races under the lights

FLORESVILLE -- Cycle Ranch has been known for years as one of the country’s premier motocross tracks. Racers revere the nearly 2-mile pro-style red-dirt track, but Cycle Ranch now offers far more than the single track that made it a favorite among the motocross community.

At the close of 2012, Cycle Ranch fell under new ownership, as Iain Grae purchased the property. For those who don’t know his story, the short version is that Grae spent his early adult years building up an advertising business in New York. After selling the business, he then spent the next few years traveling across the country and around the world. He then split time between New York and South Beach, but knew he had to throw himself back into something.

Grae started another company, realmotocross.com, and began traveling the country by motorhome. He made visits to tracks from coast to coast, and was able to return to the motocross community he loved so much as a child. Grae eventually made a trip with a friend to Cycle Ranch, and he instantly fell in love with the facility, prompting him to make the purchase.

Since taking over, Grae and his staff have been working feverishly to erect the best motocross facility in the country. The changes have come quickly, despite some bumps in the road, but Grae is committed to his vision, and isn’t slowing down a bit.

“I’m one of those guys that once I start something, I have to finish it,” Grae said.

He admits that owning and expanding the motocross park is far more work than he expected. He doesn’t get as much sleep as he used to, and has discovered the projects are costing more than he anticipated. But the changes are easy to see, and the park has transformed greatly in the time Grae has owned it. He is pleased with the way it is taking shape, and the riders love the changes too.

“I’ve been coming here for years, and this is the best it’s ever been,” said one rider who made a trip up from Corpus Christi to enjoy a couple of days at Cycle Ranch.

Riders from all over Texas and beyond echo that type of comment throughout the park.

Grae and his team have made substantial improvements to the amenities at the park, shifting at least a portion of the focus to what happens off the track. The Moto-Shack pro shop has been expanded, and folks visiting the park can browse in the air-conditioned comfort. The snack bar adjoins the pro shop, and offers visitors to Cycle Ranch an escape from the heat.

While bleachers remain in place for spectators to watch the action on the main track, Grae understands that not everyone wants to sit out in the elements the entire time. As part of the Moto-Shack renovation, a special viewing area was created where spectators and riders can watch from the comfort of the air conditioning.

Restroom facilities have been improved and expanded, a large pavilion with stage and lights is in place to host live entertainment, and overnight accommodations have been improved with the addition of cabins. A plan for additional RV sites is also in the works.

While the park’s main track remains its crowning jewel, there are actually now a total of five tracks at Cycle Ranch. In addition to the main circuit, there is a GP track for 4-wheelers and side-by-sides, a junior track for beginners, a “turns track” where riders can hone the skill of making quick turns, and a track designed to run at night under the lights. In the South Texas heat, a night track makes so much sense; one has to wonder why it wasn’t ever done prior to Grae’s arrival.

From the moment the lights came on, riders have flocked in from all over to experience night racing, most for the first time ever.

“I had some guys drive down from Dallas for a practice session,” Grae said. “They said they would be back down to race.”

To help build excitement around the night track, Cycle Ranch is hosting a Moto Mania seven-race series, offering thousands in prizes to go along with the ultimate night racing experience.

Cycle Ranch held the first two races June 8 and 15, and the turnout was great. The third race of the series is set for this Saturday, July 6, and Grae expects an even larger crowd as many extend their Independence Day weekend.

In addition to all the great racing action, there will also be live music and $2 Bud Lights. Spectators have reason to be excited about this weekend, too. Grae said to help celebrate the July 4th weekend, spectators will get “two-for-one” gate admission (see coupon on 4C), easily making the weekend affordable for the entire family.

With everything there is to do and see at Cycle Ranch these days, it’s exciting to hear they are still building. As Grae and his team continue to expand the track, and word continues to spread across the country, Cycle Ranch will undoubtedly solidify itself as one of the premier facilities in all of motocross.

Your Opinions and Comments

It's much to dangerous in my opinion, so many kids have been airlifted to trauma centers in San antonio and many more have wound up in our hospital. I can't stand to think about how many children have been maimed for life out ... More ›

It's much to dangerous in my opinion, so many kids have been airlifted to trauma centers in San antonio and many more have wound up in our hospital. I can't stand to think about how many children have been maimed for life out there over the years. Mr. Dennis and his wife were a kind hearted farming/ranching family and I'm certain they are turning in their graves over what happens on part of their old land.